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Description

Podophyllum peltatum

Also known as:

May apple

,

Mayapple

,

Indian apple

,

wild mandrake

,

pomme de mai

,

podophylle pelt

Scientific Synonyms:

Description

Colonies of this showy woodland plant are a common sight in damp, open woods and on riverbanks. May apple is easily recognized by its large, deeply divided, umbrella-shaped leaves which unfurl in early spring from a single stem. A solitary, nodding, white, and occasionally tinged with yellow or pink, fragrant flower grows from the axil of two-leaved plants (single leaved plants will not bloom). The fleshy, yellow berry that follows gave the May apple its common name.

Cultivation

Podophyllum peltatum is easily grown in the dappled shade of deciduous trees where it will form a loose canopy that seems to float above the ground . It needs acidic, moist, humus-rich soil. It will spread quickly under favorable conditions. This species is ephemeral and goes completely dormant in summer. It can be combined with late-emerging plants that can tolerate the root competition, such as Eurybia divaricata and Solidago flexicaulis. Blooms in spring, March to May. Zones 4-8

Propagation

Self seeds under optimum conditions. Collected seeds will require cold, moist stratification. Easy to propagate by root division when the plant is dormant.

Additional Notes

The ripe fruit of May apple is edible with a flavor reminiscent of ripe melon and, after removing the seeds, can be used in jams and jellies. The leaves, roots, seeds and unripe fruit are poisonous if ingested in large quantities, but are also valued for their medicinal benefits if properly processed.